The Missouri Valley Historical Society (1913-1940) was the successor to the Kansas City Historical Society (1906-1913) and the Early Settler's Society and Historical Association (1896-1906). All these organizations focused on the history of the Kansas City area and the region in general. The Society was especially active during the presidency of John Barber White (1913-1923).

The collection consists of official records, correspondence, and business records of the organization. Historical material may be found in vertical files, manuscripts, scrapbooks, etc. The collection also includes the papers of the Gold Star League which contains photographs, correspondence, and biographical sheets on soldiers of World War I from the Kansas City area.